acromegaly Flashcards
define acromegaly?
constellation of signs and symptoms caused by hypersecretion of GH in adults
what is excess GH in children called?
gigantism
what is the main cause of acromegaly?
GH-secreting pituitary adenoma
what sometimes causes acromegaly?
ectopic GHRH or GH production from tumours
what is the epidemiology of acromegaly?
RARE
ages 40-50
what are the presenting symptoms of acromegaly?
- onset is gradual • Rings and shoes becoming tight • Increased sweating and oily skin caused by sweat gland hypertrophy • Features of a pituitary tumour = o Hypopituitarism o Headaches o Bitemporal hemianopia • Raised prolactin o galactorrhoea
signs of acromegaly on the hands?
o Large spade-like hands
o Thick greasy skin
o Carpel tunnel syndrome signs
o Premature osteoarthritis
signs of acromegaly on the face?
o Prominent eyebrow ridge o Prominent cheeks o Broad nose bridge o Prominent nasolabial folds o Thick lips o Increased gap between teeth o Large tongue o Prognathism o Husky resonant voice
what visual changes might there be?
o Bitemporal hemianopia
what changes might there be in the neck?
o Multinodular goitre
what might happen to the feet?
o Enlarged
what is the first line investigation for acromegaly?
- Serum IGF-1
- this is because GH stimulates IGF-1 secretion
what is the confirmatory investigation for acromegaly?
Oral Glucose Tolerance Test
75g of oral glucose
what other investigations might be done?
- pituitary function tests
- MRI of the brain
first line treatment for acromegaly?
trans-sphenoidal surgery is FIRST LINE